Sophia's POV.
I looked at the Instagram picture of Alex next to Emma.
I need to get this freaking app!
They seemed to be sitting in some club. Alex was busy on his phone when Emma took that selfie, blowing him a kiss. It was posted last night but it wasn't even the picture that bothered me. Rather, it was the caption under it.
‘Excited for the future.’ meaning what?
It was followed by a ring, a wedding dress, and bell emojis.
“Soph? Where are you going?”
I was already shoving my wallet and phone in my bag and racing out the door. “This can't wait.”
*****
“Is Mr Hayes around? I didn't think about confirming before coming here.” I said to Josh, immediately I got off the elevator and found him in the hallway.
He nodded.
“Mr Hayes had a lot to drink last night and is nursing a terrible hangover,” Josh replied.
Last night. When he was off clubbing with Emma. How is that even possible? I pondered.
“Does he know I've come to see him?” I asked, wondering if I still had the chance to turn around.
“Yes. I informed him immediately I saw you through the security cameras. He's waiting for you.” Josh responded.
Josh walked off and left me standing alone in front of Alex's door. I placed a tentative knock on the door.
“It's open.” The deep voice came from inside.
I turned the knob, entering into the penthouse to find Alex standing at a corner of the living room like he was indeed waiting for me.
Not wanting to give me the pleasure of unnerving myself by closing the gap between us like he always did, I took a few confident strides until there was barely an inch between us. I'm in charge today!
His blue eyes locked with mine, holding enough intensity to make me grow weak in the knees but I held my ground.
“What brings you here?” He finally asked.
Did he just ask me that? My eyes narrowed for a moment, trying to see if he had company.
“Why? Am I interrupting something? Is she here right now?”
He looked baffled. “Who?”
“Emma.” I snapped.
He remained silent for a moment before a look of recognition fell on his face. “You've seen that picture.”
“Yes, I have, Alex.”
“Well, what about it?” He raised a brow.
I was taken aback at how indifferent he sounded but still managed to ask. “Is it true?”
“Is it true?” He repeated my words with a laugh as if testing the words himself. “This is not funny,” I said with a straight face.
“You're damn right it's not. How can you even ask me that? That's right, you already think I'm the kind of man who'll profess love to you and then go hook up with another girl. Right?”
I was stunned into silence and quickly regretted my question.
“I'm sorry,” I whispered. I was at a loss for what to say then.
He nodded and then walked over to the couch in the living area. “Can I get you a drink?” He asked over his shoulder.
“No. I'm good.”
“Alright then. You should take a seat.” He motioned towards the couch.
“You wanna know if it's true.” He took a seat and looked at me mockingly.
“What do you think, Sophia?” His eyes were so truthful at that exact moment that it didn't feel like a question at all.
When I gave no reply, he spoke again. “Do you think I'm marrying Emma? You've seen that picture, obviously thanks to Stephanie because I know you don't have an Instagram account. But does it look like I'm even interested in being there with her? She's either doing this to get some media attention or maybe she's delusional.” he explained.
I was a bit relieved but still had to add. “But you still went clubbing with her,” I whispered.
“I went with Steve. She just happened to be there with some of her friends.”
“I just needed a form of distraction so I decided to go get drunk.” He spoke deliberately as he got up from the couch and made his way towards me. I gulped when he sat down next to me.
“Distraction from what?” I was a little baffled.
He held my gaze. “From you.”
I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't expecting him to say that but that doesn't mean that his words didn't take me by surprise.
“What.....” I trailed off.
“I've gone almost a week without seeing you, Sophia. Of course, I needed a distraction from thinking about you.”
My heart fluttered at his words.
Clearing my throat, I looked away for a moment, hoping to get myself together and spoke. “I think I need to get going.”
He made no move to stop me and I felt a little disappointed at that. I got up from the couch, feeling his gaze on me.
“Got what you came here for, Ms O'Brien?” “Guess so.” I shrugged.
“You know, it's a good thing you were so concerned about it that you had to show up here and see for yourself what the matter was. You feel something strong for me and I just wish you'd let me know.”
My jaw dropped. “Um....no...that's—”
“Don't.” He suddenly got up from the couch and advanced towards me. “Don't deny the obvious, Sophia.”
My tongue flicked out to lick my lips feeling his gaze lingering there. “I–I should go”
“Okay.” His eyes searched mine. He didn't seem like he was going to stop me from leaving.
I turned towards the door, walking away but I soon found myself retracing my steps back to him. Deep down, I didn't want to leave just yet. But I guess I had to, especially since he's not trying to stop me.
I made up my mind, I needed to go for what I wanted.
“I don't wanna leave yet,” I muttered. “I want to tell you something.”
“What is it?” He asked.
“I.....uh...” I took in a deep breath when he walked up closer to me, my gaze falling to his torso, inhaling his alluring scent.
Out of nowhere, I lifted my hand to his cheek, feeling his rough stubble against my palm as I traced a finger along his lower lip.
“I wanna kiss you,” I whispered, shutting my eyes.